66 Pembrokeshire Coast National Park LCA 27 - MYNYDD PRESELI

LCA 27

Location, Context and Physical Characteristics Map Notation: A large and very conspicuous inland upland area of heath and moorland, visible from a great distance. The views to the coast and the feeling of exposure provide a strong sense of place. National Park Visual and Sensory Characteristics Boundary The Mynydd Preseli is a distinctive upland area characterised by open moorland ands heath with rocky sum- mits and scree slopes evident on the higher parts. Conifer plantations are also present, particularly on the LCA Boundary southern flanks. The upland area affords wide- ranging views across to the neighbouring Mynydd Carningli, and along the coast. LCA Boundary Vegetation and Habitat Characteristics defined by the The main ridge is characterised by acidic grassland and heathland which grades into much wetter vegetation on both and north and south facing slopes below ridge. Numerous springs occur with associated boggy National Park flushes, marshy grassland and wet heath. In the Mynachlogddu valley and the lower south facing flanks of Boundary the main ridge, there are several conifer plantations. Deciduous woodland is very restricted although mature scrub has developed in places.

Geological Characteristics A very conspicuous and famous upland ridge rising to 536m AOD and crested by a line of rocky crags/tors with associated block-littered slopes. The ridge is steep-sided, especially to the north. Includes the north east-orientated continuation of the ridge, but dropping to lower altitudes in the Gilgwyn Mawr area. The bedrock is dominated by Ordovician slates with igneous intrusions (dolerite) capping the peaks but the surface features are predominantly peri-glacial (Quaternary, Pleistocene). Broad, concave slopes occur on the north side of the Preseli Mountains, developed below a steep upper escarpment. This area is characterised by fan-like groupings of coalescing streams, which feed funnel-like features projecting into undulating farmland areas below. widespread surface scatters of blocks are typical.

Historic and Cultural Characteristics The unenclosed moorland contains nationally important features, including Iron Age Hill forts, Round Barrows and Deserted Settlements. This ar- chaeological wealth has lead its designation as the Mynydd Preseli Registered Landscape of Outstanding Interest in Wales. Much of the hill area is common land - 19th & 20th century enclosure of common land is evident on the southern flank of the mountain block. The boundary between culti- vated land and moorland on the northern fringe, however, appears to have changed little since the early 19th century. The rectilinear field shapes were formed following enclosure of common land.

June 2011 66 67 Evaluation & Recommendations LCA Character Visual & Geological Landscape Historic Cultural LANDMAP Aspect Evaluation Terms: Area Sensory Landscape Habitats Landscape Landscape No. Outstanding: Of International or National Importance Aspect Areas Aspect Areas Aspect Areas Aspect Areas Aspect Areas High: Of Regional or County Importance 27 Mynydd 03 - Moderate 40 - Outstanding 154 - Moderate 42266 - 001 - Outstanding Moderate: Of Local Importance 04 - High 70 - Outstanding 324- Outstanding Outstanding 331 - Outstanding Preseli Low: Of Little or No Importance 44 - Moderate 426- Outstanding 431 - Moderate (The reference numbers in the table refer to the discrete Aspect Areas identified ) 435 - Moderate 596 - Low 622 - High 640 - Low 832 - Moderate 890 - High

Special Qualities (Key Landscape Characteristics) Discernible Landscape Trends

 The planting of coniferous woodland on lower slopes contrasts with the semi-natural  The Mynydd Preseli and Mynydd Carningli range of hills is unique within the Pem- character of the upper slopes and summits and this trend threatens to alter the pre- brokeshire Coast National Park because of its extensive broad upland mass which dominantly open character of the hills, which have a visual effect far beyond the stretches inland, contrasting strongly with the narrow ribbon of coastal land which boundaries of this Landscape Character Area characterises the great majority of the National Park. It is visible from large parts  Unfavourable land management practices are altering key vegetation types to the of the National Park and from extensive parts of the surrounding county of Pem- detriment of the landscape and quality of habitats, including grazing and cropping brokeshire, providing a familiar and readily discernible reference point in condi- and the failure to control bracken encroachment tions of moderate to clear visibility  The appearance of the landscape is largely semi-natural except where angular blocks of coniferous woodland clothe the upper slopes and especially where they  There is a pervading sense of remoteness and wildness, especially on the sum- break the skyline. These dark colours and harsh lines contrast unfavourably with mits and the upper slopes of these hills, and a strong sense of exposure, resulting the soft, muted colours and textures of the open moorland and rush pasture. from the proximity of the sea and the lack of cover and shelter on the open high ground Management Guidance  Distinctive rock formations at the summits provide visual punctuation points as the eye is drawn up the slopes and along the smooth ridges forming the horizon; this  Conserve the heathland and moorland so that they remain in a favourable condition is a landscape of outstanding geological value  Consider the appropriateness of conifer plantations with options including removal and replacement with heathland/moorland habitats, and planting broadleaved wood-  This is a landscape of recognised national historical and cultural significance land on the lower slopes within Wales. There are close historical and archaeological links with the adjacent  Encourage landowners to participate in agri-environmental schemes and leave Mynydd Carningli and many common attributes, especially the prehistoric ritual overgrown areas around the margins of arable fields for the benefit of wildlife, and landscape. The blue stones for the earliest stone phase of Stonehenge originated alter grazing pressure to allow areas of acid grassland to flourish from Carn Menyn. Abandoned settlements are testimony to the repeated phases  Manage the wealth of upstanding archaeological sites to retain their integrity and of human use of this landscape. The east-west ridge trail is popularly regarded as their visual context  Ensure that as far as possible no significant geological or geomorphological fea- being prehistoric tures are lost or damaged.  This archaeological and historical interest has been recognised by the inclusion of  Ensure that as far as possible ancient monuments and remains are not lost or damaged. a large part of this LCA in the Preseli Registered Landscape of Outstanding His- toric Interest in Wales, representing the best surviving and most complete, typical historic cross-section across the Preseli Hills. The area contains remarkable and extensive evidence for prehistoric land use and ritual, superimposed in part by re- cent enclosure.

June 2011 67